From a press release issued by Kawasaki:

KAWASAKI NAMES TOM ORBE TO NEW V.P. MARKETING POSITION

New addition brings extensive automotive industry experience from Nissan and Ford

IRVINE, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2003)—Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. today announced the addition of longtime automotive industry marketer, Tom Orbe, to its staff. Orbe joins Kawasaki as vice president, marketing and will, through an intermediate transition period, report to Bob Shepard, executive vice president, marketing group.

Most recently, Orbe was CEO and president of Marel, LLC, a Newport Beach-based management and marketing consulting organization. From 1982 to 2001, he held numerous positions with Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., most recently as vice president and general manager of the Infiniti Division. He also served as vice president of marketing with responsibility for both Nissan and Infiniti brand advertising, promotions, research, and pricing.

Orbe began his automotive career with Ford Motor Company, where he held several marketing and business management posts with both Lincoln-Mercury and the Ford Division.

He holds a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing/management from Monmouth University, and a Bachelor of Science, Marketing from Chaminade University.